EMDR Therapy in Wickenburg, AZ

Thanks: This sculpture entitled ‘Thanks For the Rain’ by Joe Beeler sits in a park area adjacent to the Desert Caballero Western Museum in Wickenburg, Ariz. The historic downtown area of the city is filled with sculptures, murals and other artwork depicting Wickenburg’s history. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com

By GARY WARREN Photographer Formerly of Los Alamos

Wickenburg, Ariz. sits in the shadows of the Phoenix area as well as the foothills of Arizona’s mountain country and is one of the oldest towns in the state. This small community of about 7,500 residents today was founded during the mining days of the American west.

Wickenburg was founded by prospector Henry Wickenburg who came to the area in search of gold. What he found was an abundance of gold and silver when he discovered the nearby Vulture Mine and the town of Wickenburg was established in1863.

Along with mining, farmers and ranchers discovered the fertile area of the Hassayampa River and also began settling in the area. The Hassayampa River runs underground but when it does rise to the surface it creates an oasis in the desert. One such area is the Hassayampa River Preserve where cottonwood trees and other foliage create a haven for birding or just relaxing in the shade.

Western lifestyle runs deep in the Wickenburg area and rodeo and roping are a prominent scene in the area. Wickenburg is host to a number of equestrian events and is known as the Team Roping Capital of the World.

The arts are prominent in Wickenburg as visitors can spot sculptures, wall murals and other arts that depict the Wickenburg lifestyle with a world class museum, the Desert Caballero Western Museum, as well as the Del Webb Center for Performing Arts. The western museum contains work of some of the top western artists such as Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russell and others as well as a great collection of western artifacts from across the region and the American West.

While Wickenburg has experienced a number of ups and downs, the city has embraced its history and is a thriving western community today. The mining, ranching and cowboy lifestyles are evident as you drive down the streets of Wickenburg or visit their various shops, restaurants, motels, and dude ranches.

The spirit of the American West is alive and well in this high desert town just a short drive from Phoenix. If you are visiting the city and want to get away for a day or more, Wickenburg is your destination. You can embrace the openness, clean air, and setting of this beautiful town and you will not be disappointed. We have visited Wickenburg several times and we will be back during our next visit to Arizona.

Editor’s note: Longtime Los Alamos photographer Gary Warren and his wife Marilyn are traveling around the country, and he shares his photographs, which appear in the “Posts from the Road” series published in the Sunday edition of the Los Alamos Daily Post.

Western Museum: The Desert Caballero Western Museum in Wickenburg is home to some of the finest western art that you will find anywhere. In addition, the museum houses thousands of historical artifacts of the American West. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com

Train Station: The railroad played a big part in Wickenburg’s growth when it arrived in the town in the 1890s. The train station is now owned by the city of Wickenburg and it houses the Chamber of Commerce and the Wickenburg Visitors Center. A historic train engine and caboose are displayed on the tracks near the station. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com

Miner: ‘Miner Leading His Donkey’ is one of several life sized sculptures located around downtown Wickenburg. The sculpture illustrates the early mining days in Wickenburg with the discovery of the nearby Vulture Mine. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com

Custom Hats: Custom cowboy hats can be made by hat makers at Double H Custom Hat Co. in downtown Wickenburg, Ariz. This is one of multiple western wear shops in the downtown area. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com

Saguaro: The Saguaro Theater in Wickenburg offers current running films as well as western films from the past. The theater has been a fixture in Wickenburg since the 1940s. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com

The Operation Safe Roads team has been investigating viewer calls for help on I-40 between Kingman and Seligman after blown tires and even a serious crash were caused by rough roads. Another area is also under the microscope — ABC15 traveled on US 60 between SR 74 and Wickenburg where potholes are littering the roadway.

WICKENBURG, AZ — The Operation Safe Roads team has been investigating viewer calls for help on I-40 between Kingman and Seligman after blown tires and even a serious crash were caused by rough roads.

Another area is also under the microscope — ABC15 traveled on US 60 between SR 74 and Wickenburg where potholes are littering the roadway.

"You notice the wear and tear on them already," ABC15 asked commuter Sam Aro about his tires.

"Oh yeah, since December and the potholes," said Aro.

Aro showed ABC15 the truck he really does not like to drive. He says his tires are in a constant battle with terrible road conditions, his tires are damaged and his suspension is way off.

"I haven't gone off-roading in this truck," Aro said.

"Kind of," Megan Thompson replied.

"Yeah, well... driving on highway 60 is off-roading... worse than off-roading."

Aro was one of the many people who emailed his concern to roads@abc15.com. He commutes daily for work back and forth between Wickenburg and Phoenix and tells ABC15 it has been months of trying to get ADOT to fix the frustrating ride.

"Since... a little bit before Christmas it started getting... they started getting bad and then they started getting worse," Aro described. "And... 'Okay, well they're going to come out and fix them,' and nothing's happened, nothing's happened."

While ABC15 was out talking with Aro, there were ADOT crews on the scene who were working to patch portions of the road.

Thompson asked ADOT, how did the road get this bad?

The department sent a statement in an email but refused to do an on-camera interview. ABC15 has asked ADOT to speak about pavement concerns across the Valley and state for more than a year and a half now. They have not once agreed to that request.

Here is the full response:

"Pavement maintenance is an ongoing effort on the nearly 7,000 miles of state highways ADOT oversees. This wet and icy winter season has created conditions that are keeping highway crews, including those you saw on US 60 and others working on I-40 between Kingman and Seligman, very busy addressing potholes. ADOT crews regularly examine state highways for potholes and address them as quickly as possible, making short-term patches followed by long-term repairs. They also respond when potholes are reported, focusing on the most serious problems first. Highway workers make initial temporary repairs as soon as possible with various patching materials that are placed in the damaged area and tamped down. More permanent repairs come after the pavement has had time to dry out. That work involves the use of a milling machine to remove a section of pavement around the pothole. A sticky oil is sprayed into the milled area being fixed before the patch is placed on top. Crews finish the repair by using a heavy compaction roller to smooth out the pavement.

Our recent news release provided additional information on how potholes develop and how ADOT addresses them.

We are respectfully declining an interview on this subject.

-- ADOT Communications"

It is costly to make these repairs in the meantime, which many cannot afford. But what cannot be replaced are the people Aro loves if a pothole leads to a crash.

"It's going to happen sooner or later. It's such a small community. It's probably going to be someone I know. That's not a good thing... I've lost so many people in my life. I don't want to lose nobody else, and I don't want to see someone else go through that," he added.

Drivers can submit claims for damage to vehicles against the state.

ABC15's recent reporting on poor conditions on the US 60 near Greenfield Road and botched roadwork found the state paid out close to $300,000 to drivers last year.

ABC15 reached out to the Arizona Department of Administration which said drivers will need to fill out a Notice of Claim. Drivers can also look here for more information on filing a claim.

So far, seven claims have been submitted since the beginning of the year for the US 60 (Grand Ave) between SR 74 and Seligman. As for I-40 between Kingman and Seligman, ADOA said 37 drivers have submitted claims. The state said all claims are still pending and no payments have been made yet.

Have a road issue or a question for Operation Safe Roads? Call 833-AZ-ROADS or email roads@abc15.com.

Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Report a typo

The 125-acre property will offer intensive trauma work with amenities including a pool, hiking trails, equine therapy and a ropes course.

WICKENBURG, Ariz. — The Meadows has become known worldwide for their work on helping people to recover from trauma and now their newest facility is focusing on youth.

A new recovery center is opening specifically for teen boys in Wickenburg, Arizona. The Meadows Adolescent Center Executive Director Mike Gurr gave 12News a behind the scenes tour as the facility is set to open this Summer.

“We wanted to do a three-to-four-month program but do it in a way that you’re doing a lot of deep trauma work, but so the kid can go home,” shared Gurr.

The 125-acre property will offer intensive trauma work with amenities including a pool, hiking trails, equine therapy and a ropes course.

Gurr said their program is about giving families hope that their lives can all get better.

“You didn’t plan for your kid to struggle, or for something to happen, and you don’t know what do, but to me it’s important for parents to know that they are not alone,” said Gurr.

Current data shows that kids are struggling with truly challenging mental health issues.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said 49.5% of adolescents have had a mental health disorder at some point in their lives.

Gurr said while we’ve all heard the saying ‘When I was young,’ he feels the pressures today’s kids are feeling are different. This can range from social media influence to drug and alcohol abuse.

“If you take a look at everything they’re being bombarded by, I seriously can’t sit and talk to a kid and say ‘I get what you’re going through,’" said Gurr. "I haven’t been through that.”

In 2021, the CDC said more than one in five students seriously considered attempting suicide, and that one in ten attempted suicide.

Gurr said their facility is the highest level of inpatient care that families can seek out. Over his decades of experience in this field he believes parents can consider two things when deciding if they need help at a recovery center’s level.

“One, if your child does not allow you to parent them, literally will not allow you,” he said. “Two, if they are in danger, to themselves or to others,” Gurr added.

Gurr said when teens are there, they will visit their brain center. They use the data they gather to help track a teen’s progress and also allow it lead the recovery process of pointing out what each individual kid needs.

“We’re looking at not just a band aid solution to the behavior, but we’re looking deeper as to why,” said Gurr.

Treatment like this can be expensive, as it’s considered out-of-network. 12News asked Gurr what can families do?

He shared there are options families can look into whether that’s taking out a health care loan or working with your insurance company to get your money remembered. He said The Meadows can address specific concerns if you contact them.

Gurr said ultimately, he hopes this new facility can provide families hope.

“Parenting is the hardest job in the world," said Gurr. "And you’re not alone.”

The Meadows Adolescent Center is set to open in Summer 2023. They are set to initially accommodate ten boys with plans to expand to 24 once they enter a second phase.

If you’d like more information you can visit their website: http://meadowsadolescentcenter.com/.

>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.

Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.

NAI Horizon facilitated the sale of 643 acres in Wickenburg, Arizona; this large land sale is part of the Flying E Ranch, an authentic dude ranch that has operated since 1949.

LEARN MORE: NAI Horizon develops agent trainee program as to spur organic growth

NAI Horizon Executive Vice President Lane Neville and Associate Cole Neville represented the seller, Flying E Ranch Holding, LLC, in the $7.07 million land sale. The property is located west of Vulture Mine Road in Maricopa County on the U.S. 60 Highway.

“It has truly been an honor to be part of this sale, a special and historical Arizona property. Flying E Ranch remains as a living tribute to the cowboy lifestyle, representing the heritage of Arizona’s beginnings,” Lane Neville said. “More than 1,200 acres remain as part of the existing dude ranch. The operational dude ranch is surrounded by more than 17,000 acres of pristine desert under a state land department lease for grazing, allowing guests experiences that include overnight lodging, horseback riding, cattle drives, steak frys, skeet shooting, and 4×4 adventures.”

The Flying E Ranch, as a Western lifestyle venue, hosts large country music events, professional rodeos and serves as corporate retreat for Fortune 500 companies from around the U.S.

At an elevation of 2,400 feet, the Ranch is located in the high Sonoran Desert, just 45 minutes northwest of Metro Phoenix. The property has spectacular views of the Bradshaw and Weaver mountains. The property’s signature mountain peak is Vulture Peak, a gold mine discovered in 1863 by Henry Wickenburg. It is the visual backdrop, adjacent to the Flying E Ranch.

“We at the Flying E Ranch could have sold this piece for considerably more money over the past 5 years, but we really believe in the buyer and their planned charitable use,” said Jim Brown, one of the Ranch partners and member of the ownership entity. “As an operating Ranch, the Flying E looks forward to working with our new neighbor, to help as we can to make their vision a reality.”

The buyer of the 643 acres is Michael C. Emond and Kathryn K. Emond, Trustees of the Emond Family Revocable Trust.

“The Trust purchased the property to co-locate as neighbors to the Ranch. Our intended use is to develop and utilize the 643 acres as secluded natural open space for physical and emotional equine-assisted therapy for economically disadvantaged Wickenburg residents,” said Micheal Emond, Trustee of the buying entity.

For additional information on remaining residential and commercial land sale opportunities, contact Lane Neville at lane.neville@naihorizon.com.

BLM said Arizona State Forestry is responding to the fire with air attack units, engines and hand crews.

WICKENBURG, Ariz. — Firefighters have an 871-acre wildfire burning south of Wickenburg 90% contained, officials said Monday.

The "Cloud Fire" near Vulture Mind and Whispering Ranch roads started Thursday, May 11 according to the Bureau of Land Management.

BLM said Arizona State Forestry responded to the fire with air attack units, engines, and hand crews.

Fire crews provided structure protection to one home and saved it from the blaze.

Forestry officials said Monday minimal smoke remains, but resources continue to patrol and monitor the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The #CloudFire south of Wickenburg is 90% contained with no change in acreage - 871. Minimal interior smoke remains, but resources continue to patrol & monitor. This will be the final update unless there’s a significant change in fire activity. #AZFire #AZForestry @BLMAZFire pic.twitter.com/0yGvTZrsrJ

— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) May 15, 2023

Related Articles

Track the latest coverage of the 2022 Arizona Wildfire Season with the current coverage on our 12News YouTube channel.

Residents in wildfire-prone areas are urged to have an emergency supplies kit to bring with them of they are evacuated from their homes, especially as Arizona residents are beginning to see early widespread fire activity throughout the state.

An emergency supply kit should be put together long before a wildfire or another disaster occurs. Make sure to keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that residents near a disaster store emergency supplies in a plastic tub, small suitcase, trash can, backpack, or other containers.

Residents should make sure they have the necessities, such as three gallons of water per person and a three-day supply of ready-to-eat food, the NFPA said. A first-aid kit, prescription medications, contact lenses, and non-prescription drugs should also be taken into account.

Copies of any important family documents, including insurance policies, identification, bank account records, and emergency contact numbers should also be taken and put into a waterproof, portable container in your kit, the NFPA said.

The association lists other items that would help in a disaster, including:

At 12News, we listen, we seek, we solve for all Arizonans. 12News is the Phoenix NBC affiliate owned by TEGNA Inc.

12News is built on a legacy of trust. We serve more than 4.6 million people every month on air, on our 12News app, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and 12News.com.

We are committed to serving all of the Valley's communities, because we live here, too.

12News is the Official Home of the Arizona Cardinals and the proud recipient of the 2018 Rocky Mountain Emmy Award for Overall Excellence.

Stay connected by downloading the 12News app, available on Google Play and the Apple Store. Catch up on any stories you missed on the show on the 12News Youtube channel. Read content curated for our Spanish-speaking audience on the Español page. Or see us on the 12News Plus app available on Roku or Amazon Fire.